Welcome to theSiddha Yoga Ashram in Oakland

The Siddha Yoga Ashram in Oakland was established by Swami Muktananda on April 28, 1975. The Ashram welcomes visitors and spiritual seekers of all ages, faiths, and cultures. The Siddha Yoga Ashram in Oakland is open seven days a week for

Meditation in Shaktinilaya Hall, the Bhagavan Nityananda Temple, and the courtyard garden

The Bookstore for Siddha Yoga books, CDs, DVDs, and other items to support your spiritual practices

The Amrit Café for vegetarian meals and snacks

Are you planning to visit for the first time?

We have events for all ages. Children and teens and young people are beloved and vibrant parts of our community. Each month there are events that are especially for children and their families and for teens and young adults.

Welcome Orientations

Welcome Orientations are a great way to become familiar with Siddha Yoga.

Sunday, 10:15 a.m. – 10:35 a.m., before the Sunday satsangPlease check the calendar to confirm as occasionally an event preempts the orientation.

Saturday, 6:45 p.m. - 7:05 p.m., once a month before the Chanting and Meditation Session with namasankirtanaPlease check the calendar for dates as there are a few months when this event is not scheduled.

Where will I eat?

The Amrit Café provides snacks, drinks, and two fresh organic meals a day for purchase. It is a place to refresh your body as you engage in the Siddha Yoga practices and participate in events at the Siddha Yoga Ashram in Oakland.

What should I wear?

The Siddha Yoga Ashram in Oakland is a place of spiritual retreat. Please dress modestly as you would to enter any place of worship in order to respect the sacred atmosphere.

How can I encourage my friends to join me?

Share with your friends what draws you to the Siddha Yoga Ashram in Oakland and invite them to join you. Show them the Siddha Yoga path website. If they are interested, show them the Siddha Yoga Ashram in Oakland website and invite them to join you for a meal, Welcome Orientation, and an event that you might enjoy together.

The Siddha Yoga Ashram in Oakland is an urban ashram. Visitors walk, bike, drive, and take public transportation. Directions are on the CONTACT webpage.

How can I prepare before I come?

In anticipation of your visit the the Siddha Yoga Ashram in Oakland, and to prepare further, you might like to begin a practice of visiting the Siddha Yoga path website. It is a vibrant, grace-filled site that is updated daily.

Below is a sample of information available on the Siddha Yoga path website:

The Bhagavan Nityananda Temple and Shaktinilaya Hall are open for meditation whenever the Siddha Yoga Ashram in Oakland is open and there is not a calendar event scheduled. Please check the Ashram Daily Schedule for times the Ashram is open.

Chanting and Meditation, third Saturday of most monthsThis event is generally led by the young people in the Siddha Yoga community in Oakland. A namasankirtana is chanted in a group call-and-response fashion, with musical accompaniment. Please see the calendar for dates and times.

The following are the focal events of the year:

The Siddha Yoga Shaktipat Intensive is the event that serves as the primary vehicle through which Gurumayi Chidvilasananda bestows shaktipat-diksha, or awakening of the spiritual energy within a seeker (registration required).